Chapter 5: Knight's Vow.
Date: April 15 Friday, 2011
Weather: Rain
As morning came the fog lifts revealing a dead body of a student, hanging from a telephone pole. A girl with dark skin and wild black hair was the first to discover the body. From this day onward, that gruesome sight will haunt her dreams. Forever burned into her mind.
Over to the Dojima residence, Lightning walks down the stairs. Wearing a green sweater with a red heart-shaped zipper, brown pants tied with a light brown belt, and white socks. Since she's still a bit sick was going to stay home for the day. Dojima had already called the school to let them know. "You're up. Well, I'm off." Dojima said rushing past Lightning and Nanako.
"Dad has to go do something. He got a call, so he left." the little girl explained. Lightning can tell Nanako was worried for her father. She didn't know why or what came over her, but Lightning got on one knee and pulled Nanako into an embrace. This took Nanako by surprise, but then smiled and nuzzled on Lightning.
Gently running her fingers through Nanako's hair and said with a soft voice. "I promise you Nanako; I'll always be there for you and protect you from anyone who would want to hurt you." to seal her vow, Lightning kissed the back of Nanako's hand. Nanako had seen something like this before on TV show set in medieval times.
"Are you my knight?" Nanako asked Lightning with a bright smile.
"Yes, and you are my princess." hearing this Nanako wrapped arms around Lightning. Happy to gain a knight of her own. It was then Lightning felt a strong connection form with Nanako.
Just then, time seems to stop and a voice rang in her head. A card with the Justice Arcana card appeared before her very eyes "Thou art I. And I am thou. Thou hast established a new bond. It brings thee closer to the truth."
As Lightning was wondering what the hell just happen, Yosuke was on his way to school (the rain fits his mood) came across two girls gossiping out loud. He wished they do this somewhere else. It was such a pain. But what they talk about making him freeze in his tracks. "When I looked, I saw three police cars zooming by." the girls with the red umbrella said.
"You live by the police station, don't you? Did you hear anything?" the girls with the white umbrella asked with too much enthusiasm.
"I heard some yelling, but nothing more. Total disappointment." the red umbrella girl sighed. Yosuke couldn't believe this. How can anyone be disappointed with that?
"Geez, you need to pay more attention to stuff like that. How else are we supposed to get the juicy stories?" having heard enough, Yosuke continued his way to school. In the distance, the sounds of sirens were heard. Yosuke put his headphones on and played the music at max volume.
Later that afternoon, a surprise assembly was held. The room was filled with the chatter of the students. Most of them were talked what happened this morning or other stupid things. "Of course not...What, if that rumor's for real?" a female student asked.
"I dunno, but it seems like a lot of people have seen it." A rumor-loving girl said.
"Yukiko said she'd be here after lunch." Chie said checking her phone "I wonder why they're holding a school assembly all of a sudden. Hey, what's wrong, Yosuke?" Chie asked. Noticing a grim expression on his face.
"Oh, it's nothing." Yosuke said looking away.
Ms. Sofue, the history teacher who dresses like a Pharaoh came up to the podium. "Everyone, please settle down. The school assembly is about to begin. First, the Principal has something to say."
A second woman with a large chest came up, she had on a red blazer over a white shirt with a ruffled collar. A purple skirt that goes past her knees with matching high-heels. She had shoulder-length purple hair that matches her eyes and glasses. Around her neck, if a gold beaded necklace with similar coloured small earrings. Her name is Naoko Daimon "I regret to inform you that something terrible has happened." she then takes a deep breath "Third-year Saki Konishi was found dead this morning."
"Dead!?" Chie was shocked to hear this. But Yosuke knew but tried to deny it. But with the Principal's words, he had to face the facts.
Naoko continues "Ms. Konishi was found dead by one of our students this morning. Reasons for her death is currently under investigation by the police. I strongly urge you all to cooperate with them if they ask, but you must only give out the facts. Before you ask, I've been assured by the facility that bullying was not involved. However, I warn you to mind what you say to both the police and to anyone asks. Before you spread false rumors; Lightning Narukami's absence today is not related to the incident. Ms. Narukami is a city girl and is not used to the environment here, and is currently at her home resting."
"Found dead? How could this happen?" Chie asked still reeling at all of this.
Yosuke felt a part of him died today. A feeling that stayed with him for the rest of the day. Maybe even more.
Once the assembly was done, down at the hallway a rumor-loving girl talks to her friend "She died the same way as that announcer, right? That's so creepy."
The girl's friend nods in agreement "Well, last time, it was from an antenna, but this time she was hanging from a telephone pole. It's gotta be a serial murder case."
"Someone said the cause of death was some unknown poison." the Rumor-loving girl said with fear.
But her friend just laughs "Unknown? C'mon, this isn't some sci-fi drama. Oh, by the way, did you hear? Someone saw a girl that looked like Saki on that Midnight Channel thingie. They said she totally looked like she was in pain. Isn't that scary?"
The rumor-loving girl laughs as well "Sounds like someone had a nightmare. The media's been broadcasting their interviews with her nonstop, so maybe they just had Saki on the brain."
Chie overhears this and shakes her head "Sheesh, it's easy to toss around theories if you're not personally involved."
"Hey. Did you check out the TV last night?" Yosuke asks while coming up to her.
"Yosuke! Not you too!" Chie sighs.
"Just listen for a sec!" Yosuke snaps "Something kept bothering me, so...I watched it again, and...I think the girl on the screen...was Saki-senpai. There's no mistaking it. Senpai looked like...she was writhing in pain. And then, she disappeared from the screen."
Chie was shocked to hear this.
"You heard Senpai's body was found in a similar situation as that announcer's, right? Well, remember that guy you told us about? How he was all excited that his soulmate was the announcer? Maybe...just maybe, but Ms. Yamano might've been on that Midnight Channel before she died, too." Yosuke said.
Chie's eyes widen "What's that supposed to mean? Hold on. Are you saying...? People, who appear on that TV...die?"
Yosuke nodes "I can't say for sure. But something tells me...I just can't dismiss it as coincidence. Plus, remember what that bear thing said? How that place was dangerous, and we should leave before the fog clears? It also said that someone's been throwing people in there and that room with the posters on the wall. It has to have something to do with the announcer's death. I mean...don't you think there's some kind of connection there? Couldn't that world in the TV have something to do with Senpai and the announcer's death!? I just know there's a connection and I bet that the two of them went inside that world. That would explain the posters in that room. Which means...if we look around, we might find a place that has something to do with Senpai, too."
Chie did not like what she just heard "Yosuke, don't tell me."
Yosuke nods "Yeah...I'm thinking about going in again. I want to find out for myself."
Chie shook her head "D-Don't do this...You should just let the police handle this and-"
Yosuke cuts her off angerly "You think we can rely on the police!? They haven't made any progress on the announcer's case. Besides, even if we told them about the world inside the TV, there's no way they're gonna believe us! If I'm completely off-base with this, that's fine. It's just...I need to know why Senpai had to die like this."
"Yosuke." Chie said sadly.
"After what I've seen and what I've put together, there's no way I can ignore it now. I'm going to ask Narukami to take me to TV World again." Yosuke said with determination in his eyes.
"What are you nuts?! She's sick right now! How can you ask her to do such a thing?! If you take her to that place again in the condition she's in, she might die. Plus, Narukami's evil double is still there." Chie said trying to convince Yosuke to not go through with whatever he has planned.
"I know, but Narukami is the only option I have." Yosuke said before running off.
"Yoskue wait!?" Chie said going after him. Which was difficult because Yosuke is a very fast runner. So she lost sight of him in no time at all.
Junes
Chie found Yosuke at TV they fell through with a cut rope tied around his waist and golf club. They tested the rope and found out that idea won't work. Lightning has a bag of food, clothes, and toys "I was lucky to bump into her here while she was shopping."
"I was getting something for my cousin." Lightning said simply.
"Stop this, you idiot! You shouldn't do this. It's too dangerous." Chie protested.
Yosuke nods "I know...but we were able to come back once, right? If we go in from the same location, maybe we'll meet that bear again."
"Maybe isn't good enough!" Chie shouted.
Yosuke sighs "Look, I can't just act like everyone else and pretend this has nothing to do with me."
Chie holds her arm and looks to the side "That's true, but."
"Chie, can you walk away from this?" Yosuke asks.
"N-No. But I'm more worried about bringing Narukami along. She should be at home at home resting." Chie said looking at Lightning who looks a bit pale.
The two continue to argue for a while until Lightning had enough of it and pulls them both in the TV. The landing was the same as the last. "Gives us a warning next time." Yoskue groans rubbing his sore ass.
"Just hurry up and find what you're looking for." Chie said sharply holding Lightning up who looks very weak. She hooks Lighting's arm around her shoulder and grabs her belt.
"Okay." Yosuke nods. He looks around and is glad they landed in the same place.
A familiar bear soon approaches them. Surprised to see all of them "Y-You guys...Why'd you come back? I get it! You're the ones behind this!"
Yosuke jumps when he heard the bear's voice "You're that thing from last time! Wait, what the hell did you say!?"
"Lately, I can tell someone's been throwing people in here. It's making this world more and more messed up...This is the second time you guys came here, and I don't think anyone forced you in. That means you're the most suspicious! You guys must be the ones throwing the people in here!" the bear growls at them. But it didn't sound very threatening.
"What?! Hell no!" Chie shouted at the bear.
"What're you talking about, "throwing people in"!? If someone was thrown in here and they couldn't get out, they might die! Who would do such a-" Yosuke then realize something "Wait a sec...All this talk about someone throwing people in here...Does he mean Senpai and the announcer? Did that someone throw those two in here? H-Hey...What do you think?"
Chie and Lightning look at each other in confusion and said at the same time "Isn't that why we're here?"
"Oh yeah." Yosuke chuckles rubbing the back of his head.
Chie sighs "If that thing is telling the truth, then could someone is throwing people in here just have the monster in this place to kill them?"
Yosuke nods "You may be on to something."
"What're you guys mumbling about?" the bear frowns "Why'd you come here, anyway!? It's a one-way door! You can't get out once you're in! Remember? How I had to let you guys out?"
"After we're done investigating, you're going to let us out!" Yosuke demanded.
The bear growls cutely "I'm the one who wants to investigate! I've lived here for a long time. But it's never been noisy like this till now. Do you have proof!? Prove to me you're not throwing people in here!"
Chie shakes her head "That's not how it works!"
"See! So it is you guys!" the mascot bear said pointing dramatically at them.
Yosuke groans in frustration "For the last time, it's not us, so we've got nothing to prove to you! Hey, you better answer our questions. This isn't like last time when we came here by accident. We're dead serious! Listen up, 'cause people have died in our world. Every time the fog appears, a dead body shows up with it. It has to be related to this place somehow! If you know something, tell us!"
The bear looks at him confused "A dead body? Whenever the fog appears...? I know that if it's foggy on your side, the fog lifts here. It's really dangerous when the fog lifts. That's when the Shadows get violent. Aaaah...I get it."
"Huh? If you get it, then explain it to us, dammit! If it's foggy on our side, it isn't in here...? Shadows get violent...?" Yosuke asks.
"That's why I said to hurry back! It's dangerous when that happens! Okay, no more questions. I know you guys did it! You better stop right now!" the bear accuses them still.
"I've told you and told you, we're not the ones doing it! I've about had it with you. Why the hell won't you listen to what we're saying!?" Yosuke felt like he's talking to a wall.
"I-I'm just saying...you might be the culprits. I'm just making sure." the bear said frighten by all the shouting.
"What? Man, this bear's driving me nuts." Yosuke groans "What is this place, anyway? It looks like a TV studio. Is something being filmed here? H-Hey, don't tell me...Is that weird show being filmed here!?"
The bear tilts his head "Weird show? Filmed? What does that mean?"
"Uh...I'm asking if someone's been filming the people that get thrown in here." Yosuke asks.
The bear just looks at him at a loss "I don't get it...This world has always been like this. No one has ever done that filming thing here."
"It's always like this?" Lightning finally spoke up. Her breath was now ragged.
"Only me and Shadows are here! I told you before!" the bear informs.
Yosuke groans. He's getting a headache "We don't know what these Shadow things are! Or what you are either, for that matter! You keep telling us to prove our innocence, but you're the most suspicious thing here! Maybe you're the real culprit! And what's with that stupid costume!? I'd say it's time you showed your face!" He pulls up the head of the bear's costume and drops it when no one is in the costume. "Whoa! Wh-What the hell are you? I-It's empty inside."
The bear stumbles to its head and puts it back on "Me? The culprit? I wouldn't do such a thing! I just live here. I just want to live here peacefully. Okay. I'll believe that you guys aren't the culprits. But I want you to find the real guy who did all this. You have to stop him. Promise me, or else...I'm not gonna let you guys outta here."
"You little!" Yosuke growls.
"This can't keep going on! My home here will be a complete mess! And then...and then I." the mascot bear suddenly began to cry.
Yosuke was stunned by this "Wh-What're you crying for all of a sudden? Geez, this thing's really weirding me out..." he sighs "Hey, what should we do?" he asks Lightning.
Igor's words came back to the pink-haired teen "It seems you will encounter a misfortune at your destination, and a great mystery will be imposed upon you."
"Is this what Igor was talking about?" Lightning wonders.
"You're the only ones I can ask. Will you promise me...?" the bear asks sadly.
Lightning sighs "You have my word."
A smile came across the bear's face "Th-Thank you!
Yosuke sighs "Damn bear...Practically holding a gun to our heads. But...it's true that we came here to figure things out. So far, we're completely in the dark. Look for the culprit, huh? Bring it on! You got my word, too. Might as well introduce ourselves. I'm Yosuke Hanamura, and this is Chie Satonaka and Lightning Narukami. You got a name?"
"Teddie!" Teddie smiles proudly.
"Figures." Yosuke sighs. It was kind of obvious that the bear's name is going to be "But how are we supposed to find the culprit in the first place?"
"I dunno." Teddie thinks for a moment and remembers something "Oh, but I know where the last person came in."
Yosuke's eyes widen "The last person? You mean Saki-senpai!?"
Teddie shrugs "I mean the person who came in and disappeared last time. I dunno the name. I'll take you there. You might find clues. Oh, one thing first. You should put these on." Teddie gives a pair of orange glasses to Yosuke, yellow to Chie, and black and red sunglasses with one long lens for both eyes to Lightning.
"What're these glasses for?" Yosuke asks looking at them. When they put the glasses on, their vision becomes crystal clear. "Whoa! The difference is like night and day. With these on, it's like the fog doesn't exist." he said with shock and awe.
"They'll help you walk through the fog. Well, I've been here for a long time. So you can rely on me! Uh...But I can only show you where the place is. You guys will have to defend yourselves." Teddie said with a smile.
"What happened to relying on you!? Th-There better not be any monsters! You understand!? We brought weapons, but I mean...They're more for show!" he looks at the golf club in his hand "We just got here! If it's so dangerous, why don't you do something instead of relying on us!?" Yosuke said pointing the golf club at Tiddie.
"Uh-uh. No way. I've got no muscles. Oh! Oh! I'll give you guys moral support from a safe distance! How's that sound?" Teddie asks with a nervous smile.
Lightning wonders if Teddie really can't fight. So gently pokes his forehead with one finger and Teddie instantly falls on his back.
"N-Nooo." Teddie cries flailing.
"You can't be serious." Lightning sighs. She at a very weak state, only able stand and walk with Chie's help. But Teddie still went down easily.
"Is this thing for real!?" Yosuke deadpans.
"How lame." Chie sighs.
"We swore to find the culprit and this is all the backup we get?" Yosuke asks shaking his head in disbelief.
Teddie stops flailing and asks "Oh yeah. Can I ask you something? Who's this Saki-senpai person? Someone, you know?"
"That doesn't matter right now..." Yosuke said sadly "Anyways, at least now we know Senpai might have been thrown in here. Maybe we can find more information, too. Let's get moving, Chie, Narukami"
"W-Waaaait!" Teddies cry, causing the three teenagers to let out a collective groan. Since Chie was busy holding up Lightning. Left Yosuke the one to help Teddie up.
After following Teddie for a while, the teens so arrive at a place they know too well. But it was twisted version. It looks dead and empty. So not that different really. But the red and black sky made the atmosphere unsettling. "What is this place? It looks just the shopping district. What's going on here!?" Yosuke asks while looks around.
"Some weird places have appeared here recently. Things are getting so tangled, I dunno what to do." Teddie said sadly.
"Uh...by the way, why are you standing so far from us? You better not be planning to high-tail it if something does show up." Yosuke warns Teddie who's too far away for his liking.
"Of course not! I mean. Uh...can't stand too close, you know. I'd get in your way." Teddie said was a nervous smile.
"Right." Chie said suspiciously.
"Man, they really went all out on this. But out of all the places in town, why'd they replicate this one?" Yosuke wonders out loud.
Teddie shrugs "How should I know? This is reality for the one who's here."
Yosuke just shakes his head in confusion "As usual, nothing you say makes any sense. But if this is our shopping district, we're not far from Saki-senpai's."
Everyone made their way to very that spot, but the door is replaced with a red and black swirl. Matching the sky."I knew it! This is the liquor store that Senpai's parents run. Does this mean...Senpai disappeared here? What could've happened?" Yosuke wonders.
Teddie then began to tremble in fear "W-Wait a second. Th-They're here!"
The sudden outburst caused Yosuke to jump. "What?"
"Shadows. I had a feeling they were going to attack!" Teddie said, frozen in absolute fear.
Play The Sixth Devil King Revives from Sengoku Basara 3
Shadow Lightning walks out of the door with hands casually behind her back. Along with black ooze with blue masks with sad expressions. When they fell on the ground, turns into pink and black obs with large mouths with red lips and slimy tongues "I want you to meet my new friends." she said with a twisted smile.
With a thrust of her arm, the monsters rushed that Lightning and co. Everyone brace themselves as they moved too fast to get out of the way. It was then Lightning's head began to hurt and the voice of the figure in flames from yesterday came back. "What's the matter...? Is your strength truly gone? Has the spark that you forged in all these years can be taken so easily?" the voice mocked.
"No!" Lightning growled then looks at her shadow double, who was surprised to hear the determination in her voice, and a fire burning in her eyes. To everyone's surprise, Lightning began to walk forward on her own. Her advance caused the approaching Shadows to stop. Both her double and the shadows were getting nervous by sensation the feel. They even began to back away.
"Very well...I have heeded your resolve." the pain tremendously grew and Lightning screamed in pain. Under her glasses, her eyes turn gold like her Shadow's. She thrashed around and fell on the ground. Holding her head in complete pain. It was so much that she was about to lose her mind. The other tried to help her, but every time they got close. Lightning would almost hit them "I am thou...Thou art I. The time has come! Open thine eyes, and call forth what is within! The power of the Demon King!" a card formed appeared on Lightning's hand. Her eyes went back to normal. She saw this card in the morning. But it had the Fool Arcana.
From the card's blue light, a word comes to her mind. "Per..." though all the pain, Lightning stood up. "so...na." as she said that word the light became a flame in her hand. Lightning crushed it and let out a loud primal scream that all most sounds like lion's roar. Muscles return to Lightning's body. She felt like her just like she used to be. In both body and mind. The flames turn into a raging inferno and shot high into the sky. When it settled a bit, a giant black knight with bits of samurai armour, stood behind Lightning who had a smile on her face.
In the narrow slit of the lion-shaped helmet, a glowing pair of red eyes was seen in it. It even had a mane that was black. A red cape with a matching fur trim sits proudly on its shoulders. It was armed with a katana and an old looking gun. A shadow tired to attack Lightning, but the figure quickly shot it "Let's do this, Nobunaga Oda!"
A/N: Odin, you been replaced.